Our History

Our History

The Rainbow Society of Alberta began in 1986 by a handful of caring volunteers who saw a need to bring a strong support system to sick children in Alberta. Registered under the Alberta Societies Act on November 21, 1986, as the ‘Rainbow Society for the Welfare of Sick Children of Alberta’, the society obtained independent charity status in January 1988, through both the provincial and federal governments. In 1992, our name was officially changed to The Rainbow Society of Alberta.

Our People

Governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, The Rainbow Society of Alberta has continued to grow. We have a valued network of volunteers across the province. Our staff of 4 full-time, and 1 part-time, employees work out of offices in Edmonton and Calgary.

Our Success

Our success can be measured in many ways, whether it be the number of dreams fulfilled, the relationships built within the community, or the number of lives touched along the way. When children are no longer victims of life-threatening or severe chronic illnesses, then our dream will come true. In the meantime, we are grateful for the generosity and support that allows us to continue to do our special work on behalf of these courageous children and their families.

Our Mission

The Rainbow Society of Alberta is a registered charity dedicated to granting wishes for children, between the ages of three and eighteen, who reside in Alberta and have been diagnosed with a severe chronic or life-threatening medical illness. This mandate is performed in strict adherence to the following guidelines.

The wish must be in the best interest of the child.

The wish must be fulfilled outside of a hospital environment when possible, thereby including the immediate family.

The privacy and dignity of the child and family are maintained at all times. We will not publicize the child and his/her wish without consent from the parents or legal guardians.

The child must be between the ages of three and eighteen (not yet reached their eighteenth birthday).